The coffee grounds contain a variety of antioxidants that offer protection against free radicals. Free radicals are very aggressive and attack our cells. This can change our cell structure or, in the worst case, damage our cell function or DNA. The coffee grounds are full of effective ingredients and are therefore far too valuable to end up in the trash. Using coffee grounds saves money and protects the environment. But what exactly can be done with the coffee grounds?

Whether for the Advent wreath or for cozy evenings on the cold winter days - it's hard to imagine a Christmas without candles. But many people are not even aware of the side effects of some candles. In order to celebrate a sustainable Christmas, attention should also be paid to the ingredients in the candles.

Paraffin candles release various substances that are harmful to the environment and health. Paraffin, a byproduct of crude oil processing, is one of the biggest climate killers. Therefore, vegetable fats such as Palm stearin are becoming increasingly important as an alternative to paraffin wax in candle making.

Vegetable stearin is mainly obtained from Palm oil . So from monoculture plantations that are located where climate-friendly rainforests should actually grow. In Indonesia and Malaysia in particular, large parts of the tropical rainforest were destroyed for the cultivation of oil palms, which led to the extinction of species. Slash-and-burn agriculture also impacts the global climate.

In Germany, many candles have the RAL quality seal. With the seal, the manufacturers have committed themselves not to using raw materials, paints or varnishes that are contaminated with harmful substances.

If you have a lot of tea lights with an aluminum holder at home, but want to experience a sustainable Christmas, then you can use plant-based tea lights Buy without an aluminum rim and refill the old aluminum rings.

However, organic candles made from beeswax are best because they are produced in an environmentally friendly way.

Christmas decorations brighten up our Advent season enormously. But here too there are some approaches that you can do for a sustainable Christmas! Instead of tinsel and Christmas balls, how about something from nature? Stars made of straw, figures made of beeswax or wood, dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks make your apartment look at least as Christmassy.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRIED ORANGE SLICES

Of course you can also let the orange slices dry out in the oven, but with our method you can save a lot of energy!

1. Cut the oranges 1 to 2 cm thick slices.
2. Pre-dry the slices a little by pressing them lightly between kitchen paper. Make sure that you don't damage too many fruit chambers.
3. Then place the slices on fresh kitchen paper so that the moisture can be better distributed and evaporate as it dries.
4. Look for one in your apartment warm and airy place where the orange slices can dry optimally. Radiators or sunny corners in the apartment are best suited.
5. Turn the orange slices every day. This prevents mold from forming, the slices dry faster and they stay straight.

Tip: If you change the kitchen paper more often in the first few days, it will speed up the drying process.